- Comparison Fenix 3 vs HR vs Sapphire HR
- Fenix 3 vs Fenix 3 HR and Sapphire: the differences explained in detail
- Fenix 3 vs HR vs Sapphire: how to choose?
- Where to buy Fenix 3?
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
What you will learn
Comparison Fenix 3 vs HR vs Sapphire HR
Fenix 3 and its variations
The Fenix range from Garmin is today the benchmark in the outdoor sports watch market. The Fenix 3 is no exception to the rule. It is an excellent multisport watch, very complete, intended to be used for a little all sports but especially for running, cycling, swimming, outdoor sports (hiking, walking off the beaten track, adventure, etc. ) and the sports that are linked (triathlon, etc.).
After leaving his Fenix 3, Garmin takes buyers' comments into account and quickly offers an improved Fenix 3: the Fenix 3 Sapphire which includes an anti-scratch sapphire crystal glass and more varied bracelets. In 2016, Garmin released a new Fenix 3 which also incorporates a heart rate monitoring on the wrist (Garmin Elevate ™ system) and thus offers two new models, the Fenix 3 HR and the Fenix 3 Sapphire HR. Garmin also offers these models in a pack including the watch and an HRM-Run belt used to measure the heart rate and other readings of interest to the runner (cadence analysis, stride, vertical oscillation, etc.).
Note that Garmin released in 2017 the Fenix 5, an improved version of the Fenix 3 and presenting several important changes:
- Discover Fenix 5 and our opinion
- Fenix 3 vs Fenix 5: which one to choose?
4 models for the Fenix 3
Garmin thus offers 4 models:
- La Fenix 3 : this is the standard model, the first out, with GPS and comprising an ordinary glass watch glass and a light sport strap in black or red rubber. Pulse measurement is by chest belt sold separately. The only advantage of this model compared to the other 2 is its price (less than 400 €).
- La Fenix 3 HR : this is the standard model to which Garmin added cardio on the wrist in 2016. It is however heavier and thicker and offers a lower autonomy.
- Fenix 3 Sapphire : it is the improved model of the Fenix 3. This GPS watch includes a sapphire crystal, anti-scratch, and is especially designed to be worn every day thanks to an elegant look (glasses and bracelets of different colors and materials) and interchangeable straps. With the exception of the Fenix 3 Rose Gold, it comes with an additional silicone, rubber or nylon strap, depending on the model.
- The Fenix 3 Sapphire HR : last model released in 2016, it incorporates the characteristics of the Fenix 3 Sapphire but also incorporates an optical sensor for measuring the heart rate on the wrist (Garmin Elevate ™ system). The design is darker (fewer variations).
The main difference between these models, apart from the price (see below), therefore revolves around glass (ordinary for the Fenix 3 and Fenix 3 HR, domed sapphire for the other models), of more varied materials and colors for the bezel and bracelet for Sapphire models and cardio on the wrist for the Fenix 3 HR. In return, this latter model is a little thicker, heavier and less autonomous than the other two. We describe these differences in detail below.
HRM-Run packs: a wise choice
The 4 Fenix 3 models include a heart rate monitoring for measuring the pulse, calculating calories expended and many other very useful indicators (VO2max, physical condition, etc.), especially if your goal is to use the Fenix to train, progress or even lose fat. Only the HR model has a wrist training computer. For other models, you will need to wear a chest belt.
Suffice to say that if you buy a Fenix 3, it would be a shame not to buy a chest belt (Garmin or compatible) to benefit from these many indicators deduced from your pulse. The Fenix 3 HR can do without it but the optical sensor does not work underwater (damage to swimmers) and it is less precise than the reading via the belt. For example, for interval training, the measurements cannot be used because of too rapid changes in heart rate.
In addition to measuring the pulse, Garmin offers runners the measurement and analysis of their biometric data (stride length, right-left balance, vertical oscillation, dancer time, etc.). This function requires a small sensor, the pod running dynamics or Dynamics Pod.
To meet demanding athletes and simplify things, Garmin offers an economic pack including the Fenix 3 and a chest belt HRM-Run on board all the useful sensors (heart rate measurement and Dynamics pod). We thus find the Fenix 3 HRM-Run, the Fenix 3 Sapphire HRM-Run and the Fenix 3 Sapphire HR HRM-Run!
Garmin sells the belt separately for swimmers, cyclists and triathletes HRM-Tri (for triathlon) or the belt HRM-Swim (for swimming).
Comparative table between Fenix 3, Fenix 3 HR, Fenix 3 Sapphire and Fenix 3 Sapphire HR
In this table, we have compared 4 Fenix 3 watch models. For a comparison with the latest Fenix 5, please see our articles Fenix 3 vs Fenix 5 and Differences between Fenix 5S, Fenix 5 and Fenix 5X.
| Characteristics | Fenix 3 | Fenix 3 Sapphire | Fenix 3 (Sapphire) HR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight(1) | 70g | 79g | 86g |
| Case diameter | 51 mm | 51 mm | 51 mm |
| Screen diameter | 30.4 mm | 30.4 mm | 30.4 mm |
| Thickness | 15.5mm | 15.5mm | 17.5mm |
| Autonomy(2) | 6 wk / 20h / 50h3 | 6 wk / 20h / 50h3 | 3 weeks / 4 / 40h |
| Bracelet | 26 mm | 26 mm | 26 mm |
| Bracelet material | Rubber | Silicone, coutchouc, leather, nylon, stainless steel, titanium | Silicone, stainless steel, titanium (Fenix 3 HR: rubber) |
| Bezel material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel or titanium | Stainless steel |
| Touchscreen | No | No | No |
| Resolution (px) | 218 x 218 px | 218 x 218 px | 218 x 218 px |
| Number of colors | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Sapphire crystal | No | Yes | Yes (Sapphire model) |
| Memory | 32 MB | 32 MB | 32 MB |
| Waypoints | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Wrist wrist | Fenix 3 HR only | No | Yes |
| Gyroscope | No | No | No |
| Sealing | 10 ATM | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart, ANT +, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth Smart, ANT +, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth Smart, ANT +, Wi-Fi |
| Sensor compatibility | ANT + | ANT + | ANT + |
1 : Weight with silicone strap
2 : Autonomy in smart health watch / GPS / UltraTrac mode (economy mode)
3 : Depending on whether heart rate monitoring is activated or not
Fenix 3 vs Fenix 3 HR and Sapphire: the differences explained in detail
The differences between Fenix 3, Fenix 3 HR, Fenix 3 Sapphire and Fenix 3 HR Sapphire are essentially limited to the design of the watch, the strap (diversity, material), the type of glass (standard or sapphire) and the presence or not an optical frequency sensor on the wrist. The functionality between these watches is however identical.
Design: sporty or dressed
The standard Fenix 3 (HR or not) is offered in a sports version only, with a black or red rubber strap, which makes it unsuitable for everyday use (city, work). With the Fenix 3 Sapphire, the manufacturer offers more varied and interchangeable straps as well as 5 variations of its watch (see photo below). Thus, Garmin now offers, in addition to rubber, light and colorful silicone straps for sports, stainless steel with removable links, titanium or even leather and a watch bezel in stainless steel or titanium and colors ranging from anthracite gray (Sapphire Gray), light gray (Sapphire Silver), Titanium (Sapphire Tinatium) to pink (Sapphire Rose Gold).
As for the Fenix 3 Sapphire HR, the choice of strap is more limited. Garmin offers a metallic, silicone or titanium bracelet. However, nothing prevents a priori from buying other compatible bracelets.
| Model | Wrist cardio | Glasses | Bracelet material | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenix 3 Gray | No | Stainless steel | Rubber | Ordinary |
| Fenix 3 Silver | No | Stainless steel | Rubber | Ordinary |
| Fenix 3 Silver HR | Yes | Stainless steel | Rubber | Ordinary |
| Fenix 3 Gray HR | Yes | Stainless steel | Rubber | Ordinary |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire Gray | No | Stainless steel | (1) | Sapphire |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire Silver | No | Stainless steel | (1) | Sapphire |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire Titanium | No | Titanium | (1) | Sapphire |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire Rose Gold | No | Stainless steel | (1) | Sapphire |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire Gray HR | Yes | Stainless steel | Silicone or metal | Sapphire |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire Black HR | Yes | Stainless steel | Titanium and amorphous carbon | Sapphire |
1 : Stainless steel, nylon, leather, titanium, silicone or rubber
Ordinary or sapphire glass
With the Sapphire version, the Garmin Fenix 3 has a sapphire crystal. This very resistant glass is anti-scratch, therefore suitable for risky sports (hiking, climbing, etc.) or for everyday use where shocks and friction are frequent. This glass is barely heavier than ordinary glass. It is rounded for more resistance and less reflections.
Cardio belt or wrist
The heart rate monitoring function of sports watches could almost seem obsolete compared to the many other functions available on these mini-computers. This is not the case with high-end GPS watches where the measurement of the pulse is used in a number of measurements used for training and monitoring the sportsman.
The Fenix 3 and Fenix 3 Sapphire incorporate a heart rate monitoring but require a chest belt. With the Fenix 3 HR and the Fenix 3 Sapphire HR, the measurement sensor is now integrated into the watch for measurement on the wrist using Garmin Elevate ™ technology. Note that the accuracy of the measurements is however less good than with a belt. In addition, the sensor does not work underwater and is very inaccurate when the heart rate changes quickly (broken for example). This is why Garmin offers dedicated belts (HRM-Tri for triathlon, HRM-Run for running and HRM-Swim for swimming) including the sensor Running Dynamics Pod.
Weight and size: the thicker and heavier HR model
The Fenix 3 Sapphire is slightly heavier than the standard Fenix 3 (79 g instead of 70 g for the silicone strap), partly because of the sapphire crystal. It is especially the Fenix 3 HR (standard and Sapphire version) which differs from the other two with a weight of 86 g and 2 mm more thickness. This model indeed embeds the famous Garmin Elevate system ensuring the measurement of heart rate on the wrist. The optical sensor takes up a little space and adds to the weight of the watch.
Autonomy: a loss linked to the optical sensor
The Fenix 3 offers excellent autonomy (6 weeks in watch mode, 20 hours in GPS mode and up to 50 hours in energy saving mode, known as UltraTrac). We downgrade with HR models which spend 3 weeks, 16 and 40 hours respectively, largely because of the slightly greedy optical sensor, especially if activity tracking is activated. We have not performed a Fenix 3 Review. The data below is provided by Garmin.
| Model | Watch mode | GPS mode | UltraTrac mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fenix 3 | 6 weeks | 8 p.m. | 50 h |
| Fenix 3 HR | Three weeks | 4 p.m. | 40 hrs |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire | 6 weeks | 8 p.m. | 50 h |
| Fenix 3 Sapphire HR | Three weeks | 4 p.m. | 40 hrs |
The price: an affordable Fenix 3
The price of course also makes the difference between these 3 Fenix models. It can almost go from simple to double between the Fenix 3 and the Fenix 3 HR. This is a rather decisive parameter. We talk about it below.
Fenix 3 vs HR vs Sapphire: how to choose?
Have you decided to acquire a Fenix 3 and hesitate between the 4 models? Your choice must be made according to 3 criteria: budget, design and practicality. In terms of functionality, you will find the same on the 4 models. If you're looking for an even more complete watch, we invite you to take a look at the latest Fenix 5 from Garmin!
For a summary of our advice, see the comparison table below.
Design
For everyday use (city, work) in addition to your sporting outings, it is better to orient yourself towards the Sapphire model. This model will stand the Review of time thanks to its almost unbreakable, anti-scratch and curved glass to reduce reflections. In addition, it offers a choice of interchangeable straps that will allow you to match your watch to your outfit or your activity (light and colorful bracelet for sport, dressed bracelet, chic and more discreet for work, the city, outings) .
The practical aspect
If you intend to use the activity tracking function (tracker), choose the Fenix 3 HR (Sapphire version or not) which measures your pulse constantly. The sensor is indeed necessary for a more precise measurement of the calories expended and the detailed analysis of your sleep.
The optical sensor is also handy if you want to use the pulse measurement without looking for great precision, for example for "Sunday" outings where the objective is to have fun more than to perfect your training. No more complications related to the belt too dry or too wet, which tends to fall when running, which interferes with other athletes, who has no batteries, etc …
Be careful however with this model: it is a little thicker and heavier due to the optical sensor. If you have the opportunity to Review the Fenix 3, it's better. Try the different models to see if the watch is comfortable on your wrist. If you consider the size of the case a little too big, go to the Fenix 5S which has been designed for thin wrists (42 mm case instead of 51 mm, 22 mm bracelet instead of 26 mm). Regarding the bracelet, be aware that the Sapphire version with metallic bracelet can be adjusted in size by removing links.
The Sapphire model (HR or not) has a curved glass which minimizes the reflections of the sun. It is therefore more pleasant to use.
The budget
If the budget is not a concern, we strongly advise you to choose a Sapphire model (Fenix 3 Sapphire or Fenix 3 HR Sapphire) more complete, prettier and more robust.
If your budget is limited and design is not an important criterion for you, the standard Fenix 3 will be a good option. Its price has dropped and it offers the same functionality as the other models. This model therefore remains interesting for its price. Note also that with the release of Fenix 5, the price of Fenix 3 tends to fall. Also watch for promotions!
Summary table
| Criteria | Fenix 3 standard | HR models | Sapphire models | HR and Sapphire model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main differences | Attractive price, sporty, rubber strap only | Cardio wrist (practical), a little thicker, heavier and less autonomous | Robustness, elegance (city and sport), less reflections | Wrist cardio, elegance, robustness, less reflections, a little thicker, heavier and less autonomous |
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Where to buy Fenix 3?
Fenix 3 is available on the Internet (see below) and in specialist shops. Garmin offers an economic pack (HRM-Run) including a Fenix 3 watch (HR, Sapphire or Sapphire HR) and an HRM-Run belt (see explanations above).
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
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